Southeast Regional Sales Manager
BAE Systems
Jamie Cressman is the Southeast regional sales manager for BAE Systems’ HybriDrive series propulsion system, and despite his youth he has more than 15 years of experience supporting the transit industry. He has worked his way up through the ranks, first as a parts department representative for bus HVAC manufacturer Thermo King’s Philadelphia, branch.
His commitment and determination can be witnessed by the fact that he completed a double major from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa., in only three years, while working full-time at Thermo King. He graduated Cum Laude. From there, Cressman became fleet support manager for Motor Coach Industries International. He supported transit authorities by making sure their fleets maintained a high level of up time. By working closely with the Georgia Regional Transit Authority’s technicians, Cressman was able to play an integral role in the startup of a new express route commuter service in Atlanta, Ga.
Working closely with Canada’s largest commuter coach fleet, he was able to sell the first hybrid commuter coaches in Canada. This successful implementation of hybrid coaches led to additional production units being utilized in New York state. The environmental and cost savings were a success for both the transit properties Jamie sold to, as well as the local communities.
For several years, he developed new business initiatives with public transportation authorities and has formed close relationships with them. He has gained a clear understanding of the day-to-day needs of transit agencies, and has used that empathy to support their requirements. His desire to bring social-economic advantages to transit agencies brought him to BAE Systems. In just over one year working with BAE Systems, he has been responsible for bringing the HybriDrive hybrid electric propulsion system to many communities, including Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Springfield, Mass.; and Lancaster, Pa. The HybriDrive series hybrid electric system dramatically reduces emissions and increases fuel economy while meeting the durability requirements of demanding urban transit operations.
He is an active member of APTA and a member of APTA Roadeo, Procurement, Government Affairs and Bus Maintenance Technical Committee. Working with a team of product support specialists through APTA, Jamie is able to assist in many different training workshops for industry technicians.
“As each city seems to have a completely different view on why to go hybrid, I enjoy the ability to show them how many ways hybrid is the proper choice for everyone involved – from the maintenance group working on the bus to the customers who ride the bus with the smooth ride to the citizens of the city with reduced emissions. “
“Coming from a family background in the transportation industry, my father encouraged me to make the transition into the industry. After completing college, I had interviewed with dozens of companies. After receiving competing offers from two bus manufacturers, as well as for an auto parts manufacturing firm, it was my father’s encouragement that prompted me to work in the public transportation industry. His thoughts were that people will always enjoy a comfortable bus ride, so work for the top manufacturer of buses!”
